Read More

A game too much for the youngsters

Three of Villa’s shining lights before the international break, Andre Green, Josh Onomah and Keinan Davis were all rewarded with England call-ups. That did however have an effect on their performances in this cagey encounter.

All three had to replaced after struggling with injuries as they get to grips with juggling both first-team and international action.

Green again tried to make things happen for a flat Villa side, Davis held the ball up well but was deprived of service and Onomah did nothing to harm his glowing reputation with the Villa faithful but will turn in better performances in claret and blue before the season is out.

All three worked hard but will need to become more durable to get through the increased number of fixtures.

Read More

The lone striker

The name on everybody’s lips before the international break was Keinan Davis.

The 19-year-old got the nod ahead of £12million striker Scott Hogan.

Unlike the match against Norwich the forward was deprived of service as Villa failed create anything worthwhile.

The striker was Villa’s vocal point, holding the ball up well at times when the ball did go up to him but went off on the hour mark with Bruce admitting that the striker was struggling with a knock in the build up to the game.

The youngster will continue to be a part of Villa’s first team squad and will be hoping to get his first goal sooner rather than later with competition for places set to hot up with the return of Jonathan Kodjia.

Read More

Right-back competition

James Bree got the nod and the young full back had a big chance to impress.

The former Barnsley man will be disappointed not to have taken his chance.

He, like the majority of the Villa side, was wasteful in possession and posed little attacking threat.

The 19-year-old also left his side exposed on occasions, notably when he gave the ball away leading to Ollie Watkins going clean through on goal before forcing a save from Johnstone when he really should have scored.